Reports: Valued at close to $2B, Lightning in talks to sell team

Field Level Media|published: Tue 13th August, 20:12 2024

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning

Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik hoists the Stanley Cup after the Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in game five to win the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning, valued at close to $2 billion, are in the process of being sold to Doug Ostrove, co-founder and CEO of investment firm Blue Owl Capital, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Per Sportsnet, which is credited with breaking the news, the deal has yet to be completed between Ostrove and Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.

"I can confirm that we are in discussions to further expand our ownership group of the Tampa Bay Lightning," Vinik said in a statement. "There will be no change in the day-to-day operations of the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group. I am very excited about what is to come for the organization and we look forward to sharing more when the time is right."

Vinik, who bought the Lightning in 2010 for a reported $170 million, will remain in charge of the organization for the next several years and retain a large ownership stake, per Sportsnet.

With Vinik as their owner, the Lightning won consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.

If completed, the Lightning sale will eclipse Michael Andlauer's $950 million purchase of the Ottawa Senators last September as the largest in NHL history.

--Field Level Media